The Free Kick Todd Lewis

After six games without a win, the Philadelphia Union go up to Foxborough and defeat the New England Revolution by a score of 3-0 thanks to goals from Daniel Gazdag and Julian Carranza. Todd discusses the latest news in MLS that includes: Nashville fires Gary Smith, Daniel Gazdag officially called up to Hungary for Euros, Oliver Giroud signs with LAFC and MLSPA release Salary guide for Spring of 2024. Todd also discusses his thought's on Saturday's game against New England and discusses: the red card to Ryan Spaulding, Oliver Semmle's big saves, the Union's road form, and multiple midfielders give Jim Curtin and his staff a tough choice.
MLS News: 
Nashville SC fires Gary Smith: [6:02] Daniel Gazdag called up for Euros with Hungary: [8:35] LAFC sign Oliver Giroud: [10:55] MLSPA release spring salary guide: [13:24] New England Revs v Philadelphia Union:
Red Card played a factor: [23:52] Oliver Semmle's best formance: [29:20] Remaining undefeated on the road: [32:18] Julian Carranza and Daniel Gazdag similar players:[37:17] Leon Flach's performance: [42:32] Jack McGlynn instant impact off the bench: [48:54] 3 Stars: [54:31] Blunder of The Week:
Caleb Porter shows his true colors: [56:05]  
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MLSPA Spring Salary Guide

When a raccoon invading the pitch is the most memorable highlight from your last five games, you know things are going poorly for your team. Wednesday's 2-1 defeat to NYCFC saw the Union lose their fourth consecutive home game in the league, which sets a new team record. Todd gives his thoughts on the game and discusses: the Union lacking confidence, Matt Freese's big performance + the Union are the goalie academy of MLS, defensive changes instead of attacking options, no transfers in the summer and three stars.
 
Philadelphia Union v NYCFC:
Overall thoughts: [0:26] Should the Union have kept Matt Freese: [22:35] Why bring on defensive players instead of strikers: [28:58] Transfer plans: [33:15] 3 Stars: [40:00]  
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CNN feature

With Philadelphia Union's 3-2 loss to Orlando City, that makes it the Union's third loss of the season at Subaru Park. Todd gives his thoughts on the match and discusses the different defensive pairings the Union have deployed this season, Union continue to give up uncharacteristic goals, trailing at halftime, why Damion Lowe over Jack Elliott, and the three stars of the evening. 
Philadelphia Union v Orlando City:
Different defensive pairings: [17:25] 2022 put too much unfair expectations on the Union + too many misses on the transfer market: [23:00] Uncharacteristic goals continue to be given up: [31:41] Why Damion Lowe over Jack Elliott: [40:25] 3 Stars: [44:51] Blunder of The Week:
Mispronouncing names: [50:45]  
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Thanks to Jack McGlynn, the Philadelphia Union were able to avoid a three game losing streak, which would've been their first in MLS since 2017. Todd talks about the latest Union news which includes: David Vazquez and Andrew Rick both signing Homegrown contracts, and MLS releasing MLS Club Profiles. Todd also discusses Saturday's DC United v Philadelphia Union game and talks about all four of the goals scored in the match, continuing to concede first, Alejandro Bedoya still one of the Union's best players, and Jack McGlynn the next Union player to be sold? And an unfortunate winner for Blunder of The Week...
 
MLS News:
Andre Rick and David Vazquez sign Union Homegrown contracts: [4:26] MLS release Club Profiles: [8:52] DC United v Philadelphia Union:
Overall thoughts: [14:16]  Jim Curtin on the Union continuing to concede first: [30:22] Union score their league leading 8th set piece + Alejandro Bedoya continues to show he's one of the best Union players: [38:15] Jack McGlynn next Union player to be sold: [45:19] 3 Stars: [50:35] Blunder of The Week:
Jose Martinez's error on first Seattle Sounders goal: [51:32]  
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From Union to Independence: Anton Sorenson's Journey Beyond MLS - Jose Nunez
MLS Team Profiles

Back-back home league losses for Philadelphia Union for the first time since 2021. After trailing 3-0 at the half to Seattle Sounders, the Union fall short of a comeback, scoring 2 unanswered goals in the second half with Jack McGlynn and Daniel Gazdag scoring two minutes apart. Todd gives his overall thoughts on the game and discusses the goals that the Union conceded and how they're simple goals that can't be conceded. Todd also discusses how the Union lack a game changer off the bench, something they've lacked for years, Tai Baribo losing his place to Chris Donovan, and the cryptic social media post by Jose Martinez and Andre Blake.
 
Philadelphia Union v Seattle Sounders:
Overall thoughts: [4:21] Continuing to concede first/what's wrong with the defense: [20:08] Union lack any true game changer off the bench: [29:37] What's up with Tai Baribo: [38:34] Cryptic social media post from Martinez and Blake: [44:10] 3 Stars: [47:56]   
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Philadelphia Union's 7-game unbeaten run in MLS finally comes to an end after a 2-1 home loss to Real Salt Lake. Todd discusses the latest news in MLS that includes: Wilfried Nancy and Columbus Crew agreeing to a contract extension, San Jose Earthquakes sign Hernán López, New England Revolution acquire Xavier Arreaga from Seattle Sounders, Toronto FC acquire Derrick Etienne from Atlanta United, Philadelphia Union II sign Leandro Soria, Jon Scheer promoted to the Director of Academy and Professional Development and Matt Real loaned to USL Championship side Colorado Springs Switchbacks. Todd also gives his thoughts on Saturday's match against RSL and discusses: Union continue to allow opponents to score first, Union's first half compared to second half, too much stoppage from referee, Andre Blake postgame comments and the three stars on the night. And finally, Blunder of the Week returns that involves hot chocolate?! 
 
MLS News:
 Columbus Crew and Head Coach Wilfried Nancy have agreed to a contract extension: [9:30] The San Jose Earthquakes have signed No. 10 Hernán López from Godoy Cruz: [12:26] New England Revs acquire acquire defender Xavier Arreaga: [14:00] Toronto FC has acquired winger Derrick Etienne from Atlanta United: [15:38]      Union II have signed attacker Leandro Soria to an MLS NEXT Pro contract: [16:38] Philadelphia Union promote Jon Scheer: [18:27] Matt Real loaned to Colorado Springs Switchbacks: [20:09] Philadelphia Union v RSL:
Overall thoughts: [23:28] Union continue to concede first: [26:59] Union first half compared to second half: [34:27] Andre Blake postgame comments: [49:41] 3 Stars: [55:56] Blunder of The Week:
Employee at Red Bull Arena drinks customers hot chocolate: [57:51]  
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https://thefreekick.substack.com/